Rubio Courting Voters With Alternate Dream Act

Sen. Marco Rubio’s outreach to immigrant groups is making things difficult for President Barack Obama’s reelection bid. Rubio, R-Fla., has been reaching out to groups who are normally democratic allies to present an alternative version of the Dream Act, The Washington Post reports.

Rubio, frequently mentioned for the vice presidential slot on the GOP ticket, recently asked to meet with immigrant activist Gaby Pacheco to seek her help on a measure that could legalize the children of some illegal immigrants. She quickly heard from the White House that warned against Rubio and his plan, the Post reported.

“We’re not married to the Democratic or Republican parties,” Pacheco told the Post. “We’re going to push what’s best for the community.”

The Post reports that Rubio has been quietly reaching out to a number of immigrant activists that can usually be found in the White House corner.

While Rubio’s efforts would not go as far as the Dream Act proposed by Democrats, it would provide some help for those facing deportation, a fact that has led activists to say they are open to the plan, the Post reported.

Rubio’s moves put Obama in a tight spot. Even though Democrats view Rubio’s moves as political, they cannot afford to ignore him without putting their standing with Hispanic voters at risk, the Post reported.